Koemheng’s surgery went well and he is no longer in pain. Surgery will allow Koemheng to greatly improve his quality of life.

He says, “I am happy with this result. Now I can complete my work normal and without pain. I would like to say thank you for helping me.”

Koemheng's surgery went well and he is no longer in pain. Surgery will allow Koemheng to greatly improve his quality of life.
He says, "I...

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May 3, 2018

Koemheng is a mechanic from Cambodia. He is an only child. He likes to listen to pop music, watch comedies, and fish by the river.

In August 2016, he was in motor vehicle accident that caused a fracture in his clavicle. He went to an emergency clinic, where doctors fixated hardware to heal his fracture. Now, the hardware is causing him pain.

Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre, can help. On May 3, Koemheng will undergo a hardware removal procedure, which will cost $214. This procedure will get rid of the pain in his clavicle.

He says, “After surgery, I hope my clavicle on the left side doesn’t have any pain.”

Koemheng is a mechanic from Cambodia. He is an only child. He likes to listen to pop music, watch comedies, and fish by the river.
In Aug...

Koemheng's Timeline

Koemheng received treatment at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.

​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Patients who experience painful fractures or recurrent dislocations need ORIF (open reduction internal fixation) surgeries to heal the injuries. Most often, these fractures and dislocations result from traffic accidents. ORIF procedures require the insertion of metal plates, screws, or rods to stabilize the bones while they heal. Bowleg procedures also require the insertion of hardware, such as staples, in order to realign the legs. Bowleg can be caused both by genetics and by vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
However, surgeons may decide to remove the hardware. The most common reason for hardware removal is pain or loss of mobility and range of motion around the ORIF site. Other reasons include infection, nerve damage, incomplete healing of the bone, or an allergy to the implant.

​What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

Living with hardware fixation causes pain, limits function, and can interfere with daily activities.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

There is a high rate of traffic accidents in Cambodia because of a lack of helmet usage and weak enforcement of traffic laws. These accidents cause many of the fractures and bone dislocations that our medical partner sees.

Process

Impact on patient's life

Risks and side-effects

Accessibility

Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

During an ORIF procedure, the deformed or broken bone is correctly aligned into its normal position. Steel rods, screws, or plates are used to keep the bone fracture stable and allow it to heal. Sometimes, bone grafting is needed to promote healing.
During hardware removal, surgeons use the previous incisions to find and remove the hardware. In some cases, additional incisions are made to safely perform the operation.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

Patients will experience restored function and mobility. They will also have reduced pain. Patients can be independent again and return to work, school, and family life.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

This surgery is low-risk and extremely effective.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

Rural Cambodians often self-medicate or seek treatment from traditional healers because they cannot afford treatment at local clinics or hospitals. Many patients are referred to CSC by word of mouth.